My first taste of Chef Steven Hartman’s food was during a wine conclave. There was a lot of swooning that happened then (of course, mainly from me, although the other guys around me did so, too, with the dessert). I wanted to find out if that gastrorgasmic experience was only a fluke. So I went back one weekend.

We did my usual stealth-dining-tactic (especially because I knew they would recognize me) — reservations never under my name, corner table, back turned to the public, paid in full… the worst part: no pictures. Okay, except for two crappy ones taken with my iPhone. But here’s one that I swiped from Steven’s blog:

photo courtesy of Steven Hartman

Here’s what happened:

Cauliflower + White Chocolate Soup Chocolate is tops in my book. This one was so creamy but with just the right amount of richness. You can taste the white chocolate in the background. The taste of cauliflower stood out but not enough to be offensive. The crumbled almonds gave an explosion of texture in the mouth. Swoon Factor: 10

Lamb Sweet Breads Tender pieces. Not gamey at all. Apples and watermelons were not too sweet as to mask the taste of everything.

Berkshire Pork Shank The entire Twitterverse heard me moan. The pork melted in my mouth. Most everyone pairs pork with apples. Lame. Steven’s use of huckleberries gave an interesting note of sweetness to cut through the rich meat. I got giddy as they popped in my mouth. The rice grits and brussels sprout leaves tied everything together. Moan and Swoon Factor: 10+

Beef Confit I honestly don’t remember much. I know it was really good as well, but I was pre-occupied with my dish.

Apple & Whiskey Fried Pie This isn’t your momma’s apple pie. The crust was soft and flaky. It wasn’t cloyingly sweet. It was delicious. But I wasn’t really paying attention at this point because…

Butternut Squash Cup Custard This had me in ecstasy. And I don’t even really like desserts. But this. This was happiness in a jar. You have to go taste for yourself. Moan and Swoon Factor: off the charts!!!

Verdict: best non-Ethnic meal ever. Chef Steven is a genius. Go now!!!

Le Vigne at Monteluce Winery
501 Hightower Church Rd
Dahlonega, GA 30533
(706) 867-4060
Twitter: @hogballs @montelucewine @MVineyards

P.S. Happy 3rd Birthday to me!